2019 is a year of new rules, new policies and changes in Australia.
Coming into the new year, make sure to keep these in mind:
1. Fare increases
Victoria
Fares will increase next year. Source: Pixabay
Beginning January 1, fares for trains, trams and buses in Victoria will increase by 2.2%.
This change will mean that this year's two-hour, full-fare ticket of $4.30 will increase to $4.40, while an all-day ticket of $8.60 will increase to $8.80. On the other hand, the $43 seven-day, full-fare Myki Pass will increase to $44 beginning January 1.
Queensland
In Brisbane, fares will increase to 1.8% on January 7.
While adult, single-zone tickets go up to $4.80 from $4.70, eight-zone tickets increase from $28.40 to $28.90 for adults.
New South Wales
Fare increases have already taken effect last July, increasing by 2.2%.
2. Power price cuts
For those living in Victoria, those who have AGL as their chosen provider will see a power price cut of 1.6% beginning January 1. This will allow households to save around $23 a year.
Power prices are set to decrease starting January 1 Source: Pixabay
Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia customers won't be getting the modest power price cut. Instead, they will continue to pay the set flat price in Victoria.
On average, gas prices will decrease by 0.9% for households and 1.2% for small businesses.
3. "No Jab No Play" policy
In Western Australia, the "No Jab, No Play" policy will be strictly enforced in childcare centres and schools beginning January 1.
The 'No Jab No Play' policy will be strictly enforced in centres. Source: Pixabay
In an effort to prevent contagious diseases and to protect children and families, childcare centres and schools will be required to collect immunisation records. Institutions are also required to report the status of children to the state's chief health officer should an outbreak of a preventable disease occur.
If the policy isn't properly enforced or if banned children continue to be permitted into the facility, persons in charge could be fined up to $1000.
4. The Baby Bundle
New parents living in New South Wales will be receiving a "Baby Bundle" worth $300. Funded by tax payers, the said gift includes information for new parents, as well baby products such as a sleeping bag, thermometer, first aid kit, barrier cream, baby toothbrush, muslin wrap, baby wipes, breast pads and others.
Parents in New South Wales will be gifted with tax-funded baby bundles. Source: Pixabay
Baby bundles, which will alleviate some of the costs that come with having a new baby, will be sent to the nominated address of the new parents.
5. $2 ATM withdrawal fee
Beginning January 1, NAB cardholders will have to pay a withdrawal fee of $2 every time they use the 3,000 ATMs they previously withdrew from fee-less.
NAB cardholders will have to pay $2 withdrawal fees when the ATMs of other institutions. Source: Pixabay
This change is due to the bank's decision to cut ties with the RediATM network which CommBank, ANZ and Westpac continue to be part of.
